The Nightwood

The Nightwood

by Robin Muller

Summary: Retells the Celtic folktale of Tamlynne, a young knight in the court of the Elfin Queen, and Elaine, who is enticed into a nearby wood and, once inside, meets and falls in love with the young knight.

This book has beautiful, though often eerie, llustrations. This dark romance is a lengthy picture book. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and recommend it to anyone in fourth grade or older who enjoys dark fairytales and love stories. I do not think this book is appropriate for younger children because of its length and because they may find it frightening. However, I found the love story component does not contain objectionable material.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

by Carolyn Parkhurst

Summary: Five-year-old Henry, along with his two-year-old sister, pretends to make waffles on a make-believe television show.

This is an amusing story, especially for anyone who has had a younger sibling interfere with their plans. I would use it simply for entertainment, perhaps using different voices for the sibling, but it can also be used to discuss why older siblings do not always want to play with younger children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Thumb Love

Thumb Love

 by Elise Primavera

Summary: Unable to kick her thumb-sucking habit, Lulu develops a twelve-step program to help.

Although this story is strange, some may find it funny and entertaining. This book may be useful to parents teaching their children not to suck their thumb.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Hero Dad

Hero Dad

by Melinda Hardin

Summary: A child demonstrates that while Dad differs from a traditional superhero, as an American soldier he is a superhero of a different kind.

This simple story is appropriate for young children who ask about their fathers who are in the military. I think it would be a better story if it was about mothers in the military as well.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

New Year's Reads

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Librarianjk recommends Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton

Mr. President Goes to School

by Rick Walton

Summary: When the President finds the many pressures of his job to be overwhelming, he disguises himself and returns to kindergarten, where he is reminded of the important lessons he learned there.

This silly story is spectacular for discussing “getting along.” It is also appropriate for discussing that while some children wish they could grow up fast, sometimes grown ups want to be children again!

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Christmas with the Mousekins

Christmas with the Mousekins

by Maggie Smith

Summary: A mouse family tells stories, bakes cookies, makes crafts, and more as they prepare for Christmas. Includes directions for each of the crafts and recipes for cookies.

This book is adorable with beautiful detailed pictures. The story is on the longer side, but a young child with a longer than average attention span would love it. In addition to the story, the pages include both new poems and twists on old songs.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4